The tunnel-vision concept is not conducive to the attainment of an ideal environmental situation where man and nature can thrive in harmony with one another.

There is now an urgent need to formulate an intensive, integrated program of environmental protection that will bring about a concerted effort towards the protection of the entire spectrum of the environment through a requirement of environmental impact assessments and statements.

Features

Declares a continuing policy of the State (a) to create, develop, maintain, and improve conditions under which man and nature can thrive in productive and enjoyable harmony with each other, (b) to fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Filipinos, (c) to ensure the attainment of an environmental quality that is conducive to a life of dignity and well being

In pursuing this policy , it shall be the responsibility of the government, in cooperation of concerned private organizations and entities, to use all practicable means, consistent with other essential considerations of national policy, in promoting the general welfare to the end that the nation may (a) recognize, discharge, and fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee and guardian of the environment for the succeeding generations, (b) assure the people of a safe, decent, helpful, productive, and aesthetic environment, (c) encourage the widest exploitation of the environment without degrading it, or endangering human life, health, and safety or cr4eating conditions adverse to agriculture, commerce, and industry, (d) preserve important historic and cultural aspects of the Philippine heritage, (e) attain a rational and orderly balance between population and resource use, (f) improve the utilization of renewable and nonrenewable resources.

In furtherance of these goals and policies, the government recognizes the right of the people to a healthful environment. It shall be the duty and responsibility of each individual to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the Philippine environment.

Pursuant to the above enunciated policies and goals, all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including all government owned and controlled corporations as well as private corporations and firms and entities shall prepare, file, and include in every action, project, or undertaking which significantly affects the quality of the environment a detailed statement on:

the environmental impact of the proposed action, project, or undertaking;

any adverse environmental effect which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented;

alternative to the proposed action;

a determination that the short-term uses of the resources of the environment are consistent with the maintenance and enhancement of the long-term productivity of the same; and

whenever a proposal involves the use of depletable or nonrenewable resources, a finding must be made that such use and commitment are warranted.